Altered Levels of Neuropeptides in the Placenta of SGA Infants.
Placental neuropeptides just got a closer look in small for gestational age (SGA) births, and the findings are worth anyone’s attention who’s tracking fetal growth research. A study out of Pune, India, compared placental levels of neuropeptide Y (NPY), angiotensin II (Ang II), and their receptors in SGA vs. appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants. The results are clear: SGA placentas have significantly lower levels of both NPY and Ang II. The receptors? No major changes.
Int J Dev Neurosci
by Dangat K, Pisal H, Randhir K et al.
“Altered Levels of Neuropeptides in the Placenta of SGA Infants. Dangat K(1), Pisal H(1), Randhir K(1), Mehendale S(2), Joshi S(1). Author information: (1)Mother and Child Health, ICMR - Collaborating Centre of Excellence (CCoE), Interactive Research School for Health Affairs, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to Be University), Pune, Maharashtra, India. (2)Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Bharati Medical College and Hospital, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to Be University), Pune, Maharashtra, India. BACKGROUND: Small for gestational age (SGA) births are associated with adverse health outcomes. Emerging evidence suggests that placental neuropeptides may play a role in foetal growth. However, their involvement in SGA remains underexplored. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate placental levels of neuropeptide Y (NPY), angiotensin II (Ang II) and their respective receptors (NPY R2, Ang II R1) in SGA pregnancies. METHODS: This study analysed 75 placental tissue samples (SGA = 39 and AGA = 36), collected immediately after birth. Protein levels of neuropeptides (NPY and Ang II) and their receptors (NPY R2 and Ang II R1) were measured using ELISA. Group differences between AGA and SGA were assessed using independent samples t-tests. Associations between placental neuropeptides and neonatal anthropometric measures were examined using linear regression analyses, with adjustments for maternal age, BMI, parity, education and baby gender. RESULTS: SGA placentas had significantly lower levels of NPY (p < 0.05) and Ang II (p < 0.05), while receptor levels (NPY R2, Ang II R1) did not differ significantly. Ang II and Ang II R1 levels were positively correlated with birth weight (p < 0.05), head circumference (p < 0.01) and chest circumference (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study reports lower placental NPY and Ang II levels in SGA pregnancies and positive associations of Ang II and Ang II R1 with birth size. These findings suggest that impaired placental neuropeptide signalling may contribute to SGA birth. © 2026 International Society for Developmental Neuroscience.”
Here’s why that matters. Both NPY and Ang II are known for their roles in vascular regulation and growth signaling. When these neuropeptide levels drop in the placenta, it could mean less support for optimal fetal development. That’s more than a statistical blip — it points to a direct molecular link between peptide signaling and birth outcomes.
The team measured 75 placentas (39 SGA, 36 AGA) right after delivery. They used ELISA for protein quantification and ran the stats with all the right controls: maternal age, BMI, parity, and more. The main takeaways:
NPY and Ang II levels were significantly lower in SGA placentas
No big difference in NPY R2 and Ang II R1 receptor levels between groups
Ang II and its receptor positively correlated with birth weight, head circumference, and chest circumference
Key takeaway: Impaired placental neuropeptide signaling might be a big part of the SGA puzzle. If you’re interested in the latest on peptide roles in fetal growth, this research adds a new layer to the conversation.
For more on these peptide findings and other research breakthroughs, check out the peptide research index. Curious about sourcing research-grade peptides? Visit our vendor directory for options. Placental peptide signaling just got a lot more interesting.
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